Eight hundred games is impressive at any level of hockey. Whether that’s in the ECHL, AHL or even the NHL, 800 professional games is a long time spent playing this beautiful game on ice for any player.
This past weekend, on top of all the other celebrations in Hershey because of a historic season, the Bears also celebrated 800 games played professionally by defenseman and alternate captain Aaron Ness.
Nelson guided Hershey to a regular-season title and numerous club records in 53-14-0-5 campaign
(Hershey, PA – April 22, 2024) –The American Hockey League announced today that Todd Nelson of the Hershey Bears is the winner of the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL’s outstanding coach for the 2023-24 season. The award is voted on by fellow coaches and members of the media in each of the league’s 32 cities.
Luke Brown for ChocolateHockey Harry “Hap” Holmes retired after the 1928 season with the Detroit Cougars, and since 1972, the AHL has awarded the Happy “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award in his name to the goaltenders on the AHL team that…
The stage was set for the Hershey Bears Saturday night at Giant Center. A large crowd filled the Den to watch their team close out an historic regular season. On the checklist was just one more item for a team…
Bears goaltender enjoying career year; currently leads American Hockey League in goals-against average and save percentage
Press Release: The American Hockey League announced today the 2023-24 AHL First and Second All-Star Teams, as voted by AHL coaches, players, and media in each of the league’s 32 member cities. Among the selections to the First All-Star Team is Hershey Bears goaltender Hunter Shepard, making him just the sixth individual Bears netminder in club history to earn this distinction, and the organization’s eighth overall First All-Star Team selection at the goaltender position.
“Anytime we can get out in the community, especially one with this kind of rich history. Obviously, this town was built on a good community man so anytime we can give back it’s always special.”
Jake Massie
The Hershey Bears recently announced that defenseman Jake Massie has been named the team’s winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Hershey and Central Pennsylvania community during the 2023-24 season.
Here is what I and others have seen from Jake Massie since he arrived in Hershey.
It was a Sunday evening showdown in Chocolatetown for the Bears against in-state rival Wilkes- Barre Scranton Penguins, where team toughness and timely scoring lifted the Chocolate and White to a 4-1 win in grand style. Hershey notched win no. 52 on the season – setting an American Hockey League record in a 72-game season previously held by the 2022-23 Calgary Wranglers (51 wins).
Over three weeks ago you could say the Hershey Bears locker room was heavy after a defeat to Utica. Head coach Todd Nelson, who always seems to know what moves to make called a team meeting. At the time Nelly said he just wanted to “nip a few things in the bud” before this team got to the playoffs.
Some coaches may hesitate to do that to a team that is cruising on their way to a number one seed in the East, and the Atlantic Division title.
Heading into Tuesday night at Giant Center, there was a palpable buzz around the arena. While part of that buzz was the Mike Vecchione bobblehead giveaway that night, the Bears form was part of that too.
Coming into the game, Hershey had won four straight games, and had secured a point in their last six, with the back to back batterings of (likely) playoff bound Cleveland on their own rink the highlights of that mini-streak.
One of the most common songs fans hear at sporting events is “Final Countdown” by Europe, and that is the theme for the Washington Capitals (36-27-9, 81 points) heading into the final 10 games of the season.
The Capitals, for the better part of two months, have embraced the playoff intensity a little earlier than they would’ve liked. Despite this season marked by roller coaster results, the locals find themselves in the second wild card spot following Thursday’s action.
